sheel

Sheet Metal Fabrication Service

Design, Manufacturing & Benefits

1. Core Technical Specifications

A. Material Selection Guide

Material Thickness Range Key Properties Best Applications
304 Stainless 0.8-3.0mm Corrosion-resistant, food-grade Outdoor/high-humidity installs
Aluminum 5052 1.0-4.0mm Lightweight, EMI shielding Telecom/RF equipment
Galvanized Steel 0.6-2.5mm Cost-effective, durable Industrial control cabinets
Electro-galvanized 0.5-2.0mm Superior paint adhesion Consumer electronics

Pro Tip: Use 1.2mm cold-rolled steel (SPCC) for 95% of indoor industrial enclosures

B. Critical Tolerance Standards

  • Cutting: ±0.1mm (Laser) / ±0.3mm (Punch)
  • Bending: ±0.5° angle / ±0.2mm positional
  • Hole Spacing: ISO 2768-m class compliant

2. Manufacturing Process Breakdown

Step-by-Step Production Flow

CAD Design

DFM Analysis

Laser Cutting

CNC Punching

Press Brake Bending

Welding/Riveting

Surface Treatment

QC Inspection

Key Cost Drivers

  1. Tooling:
    • Progressive dies: 3,000−3,000-15,000 (justified for 5,000+ units)
    • Modular tooling: 40% lower cost for prototypes
  2. Finishing Options:
    • Powder coating: 0.8−0.8-2.5/sqft
    • Anodizing: 1.2−1.2-4.0/sqft
    • Brushed finish: Adds 15-20% labor cost

3. Smart Design Features for Electrical Enclosures

A. Thermal Management Solutions

  • Ventilation Patterns:
  • EMI/RFI Shielding:
    • Gasket grooves for conductive seals
    • Seam welding over spot welding

B. IP Rating Compliance

Protection Level Key Manufacturing Requirements
IP54 Overlapping seams + silicone gaskets
IP66 Laser-welded joints + cable glands
IP69K 316 stainless + pressurized seals

4. Industry-Specific Customizations

A. Renewable Energy Applications

  • Solar Inverter Boxes:
    • UV-resistant coatings
    • 2.0mm aluminum with compression latches

B. Medical Equipment Requirements

  • Cleanroom Compliant:
    • Radius corners (R3mm min)
    • Electropolished interiors

C. Military/Aerospace Standards

  • MIL-STD-810G vibration testing
  • Faraday cage integration

5. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Unit Economics Comparison

Order Qty Unit Price (Steel) Lead Time MOQ Rationale
50 pcs $85 12 days NRE amortization
500 pcs $37 18 days Bulk material discount
5000+ pcs $22 30 days Dedicated production

 

Our ordering process

Contact Us Upload CAD file
Determine Details And Quote
Manufacturing
Quality control
Delivery

More resources for sheet metal fabrication

Learn more about how sheet metal fabrication works and how to design the best parts for this technology.

FAQ's about sheet metal fabrication service

There are many types of materials available for sheet metal customization: cold rolled sheet (SPCC), hot rolled sheet (SPHC), electro-galvanized sheet (SECC), hot dip galvanized sheet (SGCC), stainless steel: such as SUS301 and SUS304, copper and copper alloys, aluminum and aluminum alloys: such as 6061, 6063 aluminum alloys, and other materials: including tinplate (SPTE).
We can also source many custom materials on request. Contact Violet@fuleimetal.com to discuss the options.

We provide the following processing services:
1. **Drawing design**.
2. **Laser cutting**, processing accuracy can reach ±0.1mm.
3. **Bending**.
4. **Forming**: Other forming processes besides bending, such as using molds on ordinary punching machines or other equipment to deform the workpiece, including stretching, rib pressing, convex bulge, etc.
5. **Welding forming: Commonly used welding methods include argon arc welding, butt welding, carbon dioxide welding, etc. The welding gap is generally 0.5-0.8mm, and the weld is uniform and smooth.
6. **Surface treatment**: electrostatic powder spraying, liquid paint, electroplating, surface oxidation, surface brushing
7. **Assembly**: Screws, rivets and other connection methods may be used.
8. **Packaging and shipment**.

To ensure the quality of sheet metal parts, we strictly implement the process flow, establish a quality management system, and strengthen quality inspection: full inspection of the first piece, including inspection of the size, expansion, etc., sampling inspection of finished products, and comprehensive inspection of the appearance. If unqualified, timely adjustment and re-inspection.

The lead time for sheet metal fabrication projects varies based on multiple factors, such as project complexity, material availability, production capacity, and manufacturing processes.
In general, simple sheet metal fabrication projects may have a lead time of a few days to a week or so. Complex projects or those with special requirements can take two to four weeks or even longer. Prototype projects usually take 2-5 days if in-stock materials are used.

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